Two teenage horse herders are attempting to revive Mongolia’s ancient winter herd ritual, taking responsibility for protecting a vast herd in the remote Tsakhir Valley.
The tradition, regarded as a defining rite of passage for the community, was abandoned in 2019 after mounting environmental pressures. Its disappearance raised fears that an important part of the area’s heritage and way of life could be lost.
For generations, horses have been essential to survival in the valley. During the winter, herders gathered the animals together and chose their bravest young men to guard them against severe storms.
Village elders have now committed to restoring the practice, entrusting the task to two teenage friends. Their challenge unfolds over several brutal months as they try to keep the herd safe through what is described as Mongolia’s deadliest winter on record.
The boys face blizzards, exhaustion and growing uncertainty as they struggle to protect the animals and preserve the custom. Their experience becomes a test not only of endurance, but of whether the community can maintain its ancient way of life.
Iron Winter, a documentary by Kasimir Burgess, follows their attempt to bring Mongolia’s winter herd ritual back from the brink.
